Expert rating: 70/100

Engine, drivetrain and chasis: 13/20
Price, packaging and practicality:  14/20
Safety and technology: 17/20
Behind the wheel: 14/20
X-factor: 12/20

The Mitsubishi ASX represents pretty good value for money in the burgeoning small SUV segment.

Priced from $24,990 (plus on-road costs) for the entry level LS, its on-paper credentials show good equipment, matched to a choice of petrol and diesel engines – and a neat crossover design.

But, can it continue to stand out in a newer and ever-expanding crowd?

The ASX has a 411 litre boot, far eclipsing its rival the Mazda CX-3. Photo: Motoring.com.au

As one of the oldest contenders in today’s small SUV segment, the Lancer-based ASX may soon find itself struggling to stay relevant.

Since its arrival in 2010 more than 28 new models have joined the burgeoning market sector – each adding a fresher look, better drivetrain technology and more modern equipment to progressively up the ante.

But this inevitable trend is one Mitsubishi has addressed quite well. In the past five years the ASX has been updated a number of times, the changes serving to keep the model relevant (at least where equipment is concerned), while also improving its value proposition.

The ASX is now priced from a competitive $24,990 (plus ORCs), levelling it with newer-comers like the Honda HR-V (also from $24,990) and Holden Trax (from $23,990).

Unlike those models, however, the ASX offers a choice of both petrol and turbo-diesel engines, the former of which is the subject of this review.

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Our top-spec ASX LSX is powered by 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

The unit is the same found under the bonnet of the Lancer sedan, and in the ASX makes 110kW and 197Nm.

The variant on test, like many in the segment now, drives the front wheels only. Power is delivered via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and the engine is said to use 7.4L/100km of regular (91 RON) unleaded petrol.

Our week with the ASX found that fuel figure to be a little optimistic, with around-town duties nudging the figure into double digits.

The engine is quite responsive, and the CVT well metered in maintaining pace when driving solo. But it can struggle when loaded with the family and their belongings, becoming noisy and working hard to match the flow of traffic.

The chassis also translates as a little soft. There’s a fair degree of body-roll noticed through corners which in combination with a lack of steering feel does little to inspire confidence. On the plus side the softer suspension does provide a supple ride and the steering is light enough at carpark speeds.

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It makes the ASX an easy car to live with in town, though you wouldn’t say it’s terribly exciting.

Also unexciting is the ASX’s design. Its familiar silhouette is mimicked inside by a conservative design aesthetic lifted only by ‘leather’ upholstery and the occasional piece of faux-chrome trim.

Otherwise the abundant hard plastic surfaces feel overwhelming and uninviting, especially when viewed against the likes of Mazda’s stylish new CX-3.

That said there are a number of redeeming features to lift the mood.

Hard interior plastics didn’t win favour from the judges. Photo: Motoring.com.au

Heated and electrically-adjustable seats add a welcome level of pomp, while a 7.0-inch touchscreen offers straightforward control over the ASX’s various infotainment features.

Bluetooth connectivity is standard in the ASX XLS and covers both telephony and audio streaming.

There’s also a powered tailgate, cruise control, keyless entry and push-button start, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors and satellite navigation, as well as a generously-sized panoramic glass roof which helps elevate the ASX’s monotone decor.

And speaking of views, it’s nice to find that the elevated ride height gives a commanding view of the road ahead.

Lateral visibility is also is quite good, while the second row seats are high enough that little ones can see out the window.

Passenger comfort is a highlight, with good second-row head and legroom.

Mitsubishi offers free roadside assistance for five years. Photo: Motoring.com.au

The front seats are quite spacious too, offering adjustment through the expected ranges.

Up back, the ASX offers the versatility you’d expect from a small SUV.

There’s a generous 416-litres of storage on hand to window height with the seats in place, while can be expanded to 1193 litres by way of 60:40 split-fold rear seats.

The ASX has a five-star ANCAP safety rating and comes with a five-year/130,000km warranty.

Capped-price servicing is included for the first four years or 60,000km (whichever comes first) with the annual visit to the service department costing $265.

Mitsubishi also provides roadside assistance free of charge for up to five years, provided the car is serviced in-line with the conditions of the capped-price servicing scheme. Nice.

On balance the ASX leaves you wanting for little; unless, of course, a modern drivetrain and look are your thing. It’s a good car, and one that from all accounts is pretty reliable.

But with sassy newcomers offering more of everything at a similar price, we can’t help but feel the ASX is beginning to feel its age – and ain’t nobody got time for that!

2015 Mitsubishi ASX XLS pricing and specifications:
Price: $31,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 110kW/197Nm
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 176g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

What we liked:
>> Versatile accommodation
>> Good technology levels
>> Commanding view

Not so much:
>> Hard interior plastics
>> Noisy transmission
>> Lifeless steering

Also consider:
>> Holden Trax (from $23,990 plus ORCs)
>> Ford EcoSport (from $20,790 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda CX-3 (from $19,990 plus ORCs)

This review originally appeared on Motoring.com.au.